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Patriot Day, observed each September 11 as the National Day of Service and Remembrance, occurs in memory of first responders who lost their lives during the 2001 attacks.

This Patriot Day, residents of Buckner Villas honored their local first responders by delivering homemade baked goods and snacks to the Austin Police Department. More than 20 residents brought breads, cakes and cookies as a sign of their appreciation.

Resident Julia Treadway had a special reason for making treats for first responders. Her son, Mark Treadway, is a volunteer firefighter in Hayes County. Treadway, who has lived at the Austin senior living community for six years and looks forward to participating in the Patriot Day tradition each year, says first responders put their lives on the line every day.

“There were a lot of people who lost their lives on September 11,” said Treadway. “My son may work in Texas, but those were his brothers and sisters who were killed while saving others. The least we can do is to honor them by delivering the treats. My goal is to put a smile on their faces on such a difficult day.”

Of the 2,977 people who died in the September 11 attacks, 412 were emergency workers in New York City who responded to the World Trade Center attacks.

“Making the treats and delivering them was a team effort at the community,” said Janet Burnett, life enrichment coordinator for Buckner Villas. “It is heartwarming to see all of the residents bake these treats for our local first responders. We hope the first responders know how much we appreciate them. They work tirelessly to keep us and the city of Austin safe, and we want to reward them for that. I hope the treats brightened their day just like it did for us.”